KEYWORDS:
Immunization, safety, immunogenic, underutilized.

BACKGROUND:
Adult immunization is suboptimal in the U.S. Hospitalization, especially for pneumonia, is associated with a high risk of pneumococcal disease. Influenza and pneumococcal immunization while hospitalized is an underutilized opportunity.

OBJECTIVE(S):
Share evidence-based information to support providing adult influenza and pneumococcal immunization in inpatient settings.

METHOD(S):
“Inpatient Adult Immunizations – Safe, Effective and Vital” was the topic for a 1.5-hour teleconference in August 2001. Hospital QI staff, physicians, infectious disease specialists, and immunization coalition members were invited. The panel included Dr. Dale Bratzler, Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality, Dr. Bruce Berry, Medical Director of QI, Aurora Health System, and Dr. Dennis Maki, Professor of Medicine, Head of the Infectious Diseases Section, University of Wisconsin Medical School.
Content included published studies discussing the safety and value of inpatient immunization; ACIP recommendations; and an extensive Q&A session. CME credit was offered. Each participant received an informational packet, including guidelines; featured articles from the speakers; Medicare billing procedures; intervention strategies; and educational materials. An audiotape was made available to non-participants.

RESULT(S):
Some 49 providers, mostly hospitals, participated in the teleconference. The non-physician evaluation summary (N=56) showed an average score of 4.2 (1-5 scale) The physician evaluation summary (N=12) averaged 4.5. Comments related to the valuable information; the studies; clarification of controversial issues; and strategies.


CONCLUSIONS(S):
- The PRO/participant objectives were met based on evaluations.
- Ten additional hospitals developed or enhanced inpatient programs.
- The evidence-based materials/messages from the speakers stimulated discussion.
- Subsequent regional QI meetings offered further assistance opportunities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Teleconference participants will use the information to overcome barriers, develop new programs and enhance current inpatient immunization programs.